SILK APPEAL

CCA International have launched a new series by artist Bruce Mclean. Two Minimal Vases in a Grey Interior with Blue Anemones is a brand-new silkscreen edition with high gloss glaze and hand applied painted elements

Inspired by his 2021 series of paintings which featured ceramics against different backgrounds, Two Minimal Vases in a Grey Interior with Blue Anemones comes as a pair to Blue Anemones in Striped Vase, launched earlier this year. Both editions see the artist inventing a new context for ceramic pieces as he creates a composition within a composition and questions establishment thinking as well as methods of display; an idea that has been a running theme in Mclean's work throughout his working life.

In contrast to other recent series of paintings and prints, which predominantly focused on gardens and the natural world that exists outside, this body of work sees Mclean bring his fascination with flora and fauna into interior space. Flowers, in the case of these two silkscreens blue anemones, sit in vases presented in a home environment, suggested by the stripey patterns and vibrant colour palette that surrounds them.

Known for uniquely titling his work, these prints are no exception as the artist playfully names each piece with a lengthy, detailed description of what is depicted. Hand-applied elements often play a part in Mclean's silkscreen editions and Two Minimal Vases in a Grey Interior with Blue Anemones sees the artist paint the blue flowers by hand, making each of the prints unique.

Bruce Mclean is a leading figure in British contemporary art, famous for his abstract paintings, sculptures and prints as well as his curious techniques. Operating in a permanent state of movement and invention, he playfully created work in all forms of media, and from the late 1960s has experimented with painting, printmaking, sculpture, film, photography, drawing and live performance.

9th December 2022 – 20th January 2023

12 – 6 pm Monday-Friday and by appointment